Tonight, #11-seed Syracuse will play against #2-seed Duke in the Sweet Sixteen (Midwest Regional) of the NCAA Tournament. This regional is Omaha, Nebraska. Truth be told, I've never been to Omaha. But, last summer, I was in Nebraska.
My brother-in-law scored a teaching job back in his hometown in Florida, so he and my sister had to move from Oregon to Florida. He made the trip in July so he could get ready for school, while my sister stayed back in Oregon to maximize her job time there (and also wait for when I had time in my schedule to fly out there and help her move). I was lucky enough to be in Oregon near the solar eclipse's maximum totality landfall and the next day we began our trip to Florida. We mapped out some approximate landmarks to make it to each day, so we could make the trip in a respectable amount of time, but also see some of the sites along the way. When I initially mapped out Eugene, Oregon to Sebring, Florida, I noticed that after Lincoln, Nebraska, the route took us around Ohama toward Iowa/Missouri. And in the process, that route took us by a small town in Nebraska named Syracuse.
So it was fate. The most reasonable route took us by Syracuse, Nebraska. And so, I insisted to my sister that we stop in Syracuse. And I insisted that we wear our orange Syracuse shirts. I had previously bought her a Real Girls Wear Orange shirt for an earlier trip to the Carrier Dome, while I have, well, an entire wardrobe of Syracuse gear. So after a fun stop-off in Lincoln overnight (and a fun minor league baseball game), we embarked toward Syracuse on Friday, August 18. It was a cloudy, dreary day, so I immediately seemed at home.
As we drove off the Syracuse exit from Route 2, I immediately began searching for good photo spots. There was a rock memorial with the engraving Syracuse 1875 -- which I recognized to be five years after our beloved University was founded.
From there, we proceeded to drive into "downtown" Syracuse. It was quaint, with very little happening at 10:00am on a Friday morning. But the banners on the streetposts downtown told us that they cared about their city, they were proud, and they were welcoming. I appreciated that.
I was in search of a postcard -- something along the lines of "Greetings from Syracuse, Nebraska!" But, alas, none could be found. We visited a diner, a coffee shop, a hardware shop, and even city hall. No Syracuse postcards. However, our stop by city hall did yield some results.
The city clerk was extremely impressed to see a couple people walk in wearing orange Syracuse shirts, and after hearing our story, graciously gave me a few sheets of stationary on Syracuse city letterhead. I think Syracuse Orange success in Omaha this weekend will warrant me writing city hall back on their own letterhead. They'll probably addend my letter to the city charter or something!
After a quick trip to the post office for a picture and to mail out a postcard -- just to try to get a Syracuse Nebraska post-stamp to Syracuse New York (which didn't work, they don't post-stamp there), we continued on our way out of town.
A gas station right off the highway has a big nutcracker on its grounds. Maybe there's a deeper meaning there.
Also on our travels in Syracuse, my sister's odometer hit 44,044 miles. You literally can't make this shit up.
So, while Syracuse, Nebraska is about an hour away from the CenturyLink Center in Omaha where the NCAA Regionals will be played, let's be honest: Syracuse home game.
Labels: NCAA Tournament, Road Trip, Syracuse Basketball
Syracuse students agree: The national media are gonna hype up the road angle.
Syracuse is now the #1 team in the nation. While Syracuse has traveled away from the Carrier Dome to New York City, this will be their first true road game, heading to future ACC opponent NC State down in the heart of ACC country. Can Syracuse stay undefeated and #1?
The short answer is yes. Syracuse takes on an NC State team that isn't all that impressive. They beat teams like Elon and Morehead State and lost to Stanford and Vanderbilt. They have two good players. Their best shooter is guard Scott Wood, hitting 56.8% from behind the arc. He is their only long range threat however. They will need to get the ball to forward CJ Leslie, averaging 12.8 points and who is capable of playing either forward positions. With only one legitimate outside shooting threat, Syracuse will concentrate on covering Wood from outside the arc. That means that the ball will be passed into the interior, where Syracuse will swarm the ball and make it difficult for NC State to score. Leslie will get some interior scoring opportunities, but will find it difficult working against the zone, a defense NC State doesn't usually play against. Making it more difficult is that the zone will not be stretched too badly with no real outside threat. If Syracuse covers Wood well, and they are able to rebound the ball well, this will be an easy game for Syracuse despite the hyped up NC State fans and team gunning for #1. If Syracuse prevents second chance points and easy buckets for the Wolfpack, this game will be all Orange. I think they do win by 12.
This game will be on ESPN 2 at 6:30pm, a delightful national broadcast. It will be the last major non-conference opponent before the conference slate, so this will be a fun test before the Big East kicks into full gear. And it will be a preview of a fun conference match up in the hopefully near future. Enjoy this between your college bowl consumption.
Labels: Basketball, Preview, Road Trip
So here's to the outhouse on the hill!
Syracuse plays Boston College on the gridiron tomorrow for the first time since 2004. Some might say it's a rivalry renewed. Others might say it's just another game. Whatever you want to call it, this game has a bit of meaning for me, and I hope to God Syracuse wins it.
Back in 2000, I was but a lowly freshman at Syracuse. The Orangemen (as they were then called) were having a mediocre year. They were 3-2 hearing into an October 14 matchup against BC in Chestnut Hill. Being in the band at the time, these were the people I was quickly becoming friends with, so when some of them offered me the opportunity to travel with them to attend the game I jumped at the chance. My first road trip in college!
I remember being in Alumni Stadium -- back when they had Astroturf -- and watching the game from the upper tier in the end zone. Troy Nunes was having one of his signature games: some costly sacks and turnovers, and BC ahead late in the game. This was the game I started witnessing the true coaching acumen of Paul Pasqualoni: that when down 20-13 in the waning minutes of a game, one should kick field goals. "We're only 3 field goals away from taking the lead!" Well, of course, we all know that strategy didn't work, and Syracuse lost by that 7 point margin. While my first college road trip didn't end with a victory, it was the weekend I first learned how to play the card game "Asshole;" I heard a friend's mother lecture him about the importance of networking, of meeting people; and I made it to Harvard Yard by way of a wrong turn into Dorchester (wrong turn being an understatement). But more importantly, the travel bug had caught me, and I knew that one day I would need to exorcise the demons of this loss.
While Syracuse won at the Dome against the Eagles in 2001, lost at BC in 2002 without me present, and then beat the Eagles in the Dome in 2003, talk started mounting about Boston College defecting to the ACC. A conference foe that we played every year would be leaving our schedule. 2004 comes along, and Syracuse is reaching the height of its football frustration. At 5-5 overall, Syracuse had one game left on its schedule: at date with Boston College at Chestnut Hill on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. November 27, to be exact. I knew there were some friends -- particularly those living in the Boston area -- planning on going to the game. But I hadn't really made any plans. I mean, who would want to leave Horseheads, NY to go spend some time in Boston? But peer pressure got the most of me, and I made that six hour drive out to Boston.
Turns out, I wouldn't regret it. Now, I didn't have a ticket for this game. But as my friends with tickets filed into Alumni Stadium, I was searching around for a scalper with the greatest deal. I wasn't having much luck. Finally I found one offering a lower-tier end zone ticket for, I don't even know how much. I think I pleaded with him that all I had was $40 in my wallet (which was true -- the rest was in my pocket) so I took the ticket for the $40. Then I saw the face value was $11, so I immediately didn't feel bad for bargaining with the guy. So I get into the stadium, and of course it's basically nothing but BC fans around me. I didn't care, I was wearing my blue-colored home 44 jersey and supporting my team. Syracuse -- check that -- Diamond Ferri went out guns a blazing. I think he was playing offense, defense, and possibly even special teams in this game, and just totally dominating all of it. The 43-17 Syracuse victory that day earned the team a 6-5 record, a share of the Big East title, a bowl berth in the Champs Sports Bowl, and exorcised the demons from my 2000 trip.
So, if there had been a rivalry up to that point, and BC's defection to the ACC was going to end that rivalry, well then Syracuse certainly ended it in prime fashion. But of course, the competitor in me was just elated to hear a couple years ago when the schools announced they were signing on to a long-term deal to start playing each other again. That travel bug is still with me, so of course I'll be making those drives out to Boston every other year. But it starts here, and it starts now, with tomorrow's game in the Carrier Dome. The Saturday after Thanksgiving. November 27, to be exact.
And now, just because I want this to be all over the Interwebs so that nobody can claim to not know it, here are the real words to the Boston College Fight Song:
For Boston, for Boston,
The Outhouse on the Hill.
For Boston, for Boston,
You suck and always will!
So here's to the Outhouse on the Hill:
BC SUCKS AND ALWAYS WILL!
For Boston, for Boston,
The Outhouse on the Hill.
Labels: BC Sucks, Road Trip, Syracuse Football
Back in the day, this used to be a given.
Syracuse is back on the road. Good thing. Syracuse has won the three Big East road games they have played this season. And they are now facing Rutgers, a team that Syracuse flat out embarrassed last season. Do you think they aren’t chomping at the bit for payback?
Rutgers will most likely start freshman QB Chas Dodd, who has not had the best of years as a true freshman, only throwing for five touchdowns to three interceptions. He does have some good receivers to throw to in Mohamed Sanu and Mark Harrison, but his forte seems to be quick, short passes, not airing the ball out. His longest play on the season is only 53 yards. Nor has he shown the arm strength to back safeties off to create more opportunity for the running game. Syracuse should have a slightly more successful day on offense than Rutgers with a far more dependable running game in Delone Carter and Antwon Bailey. Ryan Nassib also has more experience, a better arm, and now he has his entire starting offensive line back. Both these defenses are pretty evenly matched however, and two of the best in the league. With Rutgers they have an especially good run defense and have found ways to penetrate the offensive lines of the teams they have faced. Obviously, Syracuse’s front seven are very good and the various blitz packages and zone looks Syracuse has used this year has been very successful in confusing younger quarterbacks on the road. The key to this game will be which team can consistently pressure the quarterback and cause some turnovers. For Syracuse, this is especially critical to give Syracuse some shorter fields for the offense to work. Syracuse will be able to move the ball, but it will be frustrating to watch on occasions because Rutgers has the ability to stop what Syracuse’s strength is in pounding the ball. Still, because this is on the road and with both teams struggling offensively as of late, I do like Syracuse in this game. This is a winnable game for the Orange and if they limit mistakes in terms of picks or turnovers they will at least have a great chance to continue the road winning streak. Look for Syracuse to win a close one over Rutgers 24 to 17.
This game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN U in stunning high definition starting at 3:30pm. This game is very important for Syracuse, not only for pride against a team Syracuse consistently dominated in Rutgers, but also to clinch their first postseason appearance since 2004. It would be nice to get that over with and play more relaxed for the rest of the season knowing a bowl is guaranteed. Either way, this will be entertaining. I’ll be in New Jersey for this one, so I’m hoping the team doesn’t let me down. At least the weather will be nice, even though it’s New Jersey.
NCAA Tournament Rounds 1 & 2 Postgame Reactions OR Revenge & Domination
1 Comments Published on 3.23.2010 by Brian Harrison
Buffalo was a massive success for the Orange and their fans.Syracuse entered the NCAA Tournament slightly slighted by the selection committee as Syracuse, one of the most consistent teams all season, dropped from a predicted third overall #1 seed to the forth. Additionally the comical selection folks decided to match Syracuse up with #16 Vermont, the team that knocked out the Orange posed for a nice run in 2005. But it didn't matter when either Vermont or #8 Gonzaga, Syracuse handled them both to advance to the Sweet 16 in Salt Lake City.
Vermont hit a three to start the game, but then Syracuse went on a 11-3 run. Then Syracuse didn't look back. Syracuse then jumped out to a 34-10 lead before Vermont went on two small runs to head into the half winning 37 to 25. Then Syracuse continued to grind at the smaller Vermont, as well as running their classic transition game. Syracuse's biggest lead was 27 in this game due to excellent shooting and all around good play. Syracuse ended up burying Vermont in a revenge game 79 to 56.
What was a much harder game on paper turned out to be anything but for the Orange in the second round. The 8th seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs beat #9 Florida State in the first round to take on the Orange, and this was a team that had solid inside presence, good outside shooting, and a dynamic player in Elias Harris, to challenge Syracuse in this game, especially with Arinze Onuaku out. Gonzaga's dream scenario occurred with Rick Jackson picking up three fouls with 8:58 remaining in the first half and having to sit out the rest of the half while mostly untested DaShonte Riley covered the middle of the zone. He did that well, and Syracuse cruised. Syracuse struggled initially with Gonzaga using several back door cuts and lobs. Additionally Harris and Robert Sacre were excellent in the paint for Gonzaga. The Zags man defense was also a problem for Syracuse as they were settling on an awful lot of jump shots which is not the real strength of the Syracuse team. However they all basically fell. Wes Johnson also had a career scoring day, finally proving that his shooting hand is 100% better and showing why he was the Big East Player of the Year. Everyone played well in this game and Syracuse had a 32 point lead in the second half before relaxing and allowing Gonzaga to get some easy looks inside with some passive defense to prevent more fouls. Syracuse still won big though, finishing ahead 87 to 65, winning by 22.
Wes Johnson was clearly the best player in Buffalo this weekend. He finished with a combined 49 points on 17-28 shooting. He also pulled down 20 rebounds as well. Johnson also hit and impressive 7-11 from beyond the arc. His performance against Gonzaga was masterful with 31 points and 14 rebounds on an 11-16 shooting day. It almost seemed at many points like anything he threw up was going to find the bottom of the net. Anytime he was open, which was surprisingly often, he drilled his shot. He was clearly the dominant player we saw him be for Syracuse in the non-conference, and he easily could have carried this team to victory in a closer match on Sunday.
Andy Rautins also had a good weekend. While he played well against Vermont going 4-9, 3-7 from long range, and earning 11 points and eight rebounds, and six assists, he played even better against Gonzaga. Rautins nailed 7-13 shots, and 5-9 for three. It was a masterful shooting performance, hitting some off of screens, some open, and some with a quick trigger. You could tell the entire Syracuse team was having a lot of fun on the floor.
The guards also had a good weekend. Both Brandon Triche and Scoop Jardine had good tournament games. Scoop Jardine has been dependable all season and the Tournament was no different. Jarine had 14 points on 6-9 shooting in the Vermont game, including a pretty nifty crossover dribble to the hoop that resulted in an And-1 for Syracuse. He also added nine points and three assists on 4-6 shooting against Gonzaga. Triche broke out of a bit of a slump by added ten points on 3-8 shooting, 3-5 from behind the arc against Vermont and 13 points on 5-9, 2-5 shooting.
Overall the statistics from this weekend are more than you could have hoped for. Syracuse shot 54.5% against Vermont and 54.7% against Gonzaga. Subsequently Syracuse showed some good defense as well, only allowing Vermont to shoot 34.8% and Gonzaga to shoot 41.7%. Syracuse was also excellent from behind the arc. Against Vermont they shot 10-22 (45.5%) and 12-25 (48%) against Gonzaga. Syracuse also hit their free throws. They made 9-11 (81.8%) and 17-23 (73.9%) respectively. Additionally the led both games in rebounds with 34 and 36 for a total of 70 on the weekend, while both other teams had 27. Syracuse also assisted on 24 of 20 made field goals against Vermont and 17 of 29 against Gonzaga. Syracuse also had 12 steals and ten blocks on the weekend. Finally, Syracuse committed 16 turnovers against VT and 13 against Gonzaga, both times committing more than their opponent.
Syracuse next takes on #5 seed Butler in the West Regional in Salt Lake City. Onuaku is still questionable to play in that game, but it didn't seem to matter against Gonzaga that he didn't play. Either way Syracuse will prepare as they will actually head out there today. But first we have a lot of lacrosse action to cover. Turn back in tomorrow for Lacrosse Weekly, covering both the Hopkins game and the Hobart game tonight.
But first, some highlights from the weekend in Buffalo. Myself with Big Juli Boeheim on Friday night before the Vermont game.
Me with Mr. Peanut. A gentleman and a scholar.
And finally, myself and Orange::44 Correspondent John Brennan at the game on Sunday as we watched Syracuse dismantle Gonzaga. If Syracuse plays like this the rest of the tournament it will be a very good off season.
Labels: Basketball, Brian Harrison's Terrific Travels, NCAA Tournament, Road Trip
Many months ago when the SU Men's Basketball schedule came out, there was one date that stood out to me above all others: a February 18 matchup against Georgetown in Washington. At that precise moment, I said "I am going to that game." Not only was this a game against the most hated rival of Syracuse, but it would also happen to fall on my birthday. So I basically promised myself I would go to that game, no matter what. Luckily when I make promises to myself I always follow through with them, and so this past Thursday morning, I made that thought into a reality.
With the car all packed up and a half a tank of gas, I put the key in the ignition and turned on the car.
The song playing on 80s on 8 was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" to which I replied "Why, yes I was, 28 years ago." The trip was already off to a good start.
The song playing on 80s on 8 was Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" to which I replied "Why, yes I was, 28 years ago." The trip was already off to a good start.But it wasn't The Boss that I was itching to listen to; for most long road trips, I make a special CD. This trip would be no different.
This one was called "Hoya Hater Birthday 2010" and kicked off with a special podcast recorded the night before by Brian (of Orange::44), Sean (of Nunes/Magician), and Matt (of Hoya Suxa). Because what's a better way to get into the mood to hate the Hoyas than by listening to three of the best in the business talk about it?Soon after leaving the happy confines of Horseheads, I found myself one step closer to enemy
territory, entering the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I couldn't help but think that someone with a Georgetown degree probably erected that sign. Getting deeper into Penn's Woods, I eventually found myself in Williamsport, the headquarters of Little League Baseball and the home of both a Subway and a McDonald's. 
This was clutch for me because I happened to have $5 in my wallet and a big appetite, along with a craving to have my first Shamrock Shake of the season. And so I had a wonderful birthday lunch consisting of a footlong Turkey & Ham, and a Shamrock Shake.Reenergized, I continued on my way. Anyone who has ever made the trek through Pennsylvania knows that it goes on and on and on and on. So it was a very welcome sight to drive by this sign,
entering Maryland. This was important for a number of reasons: I was no longer in PA; I was in an actual state; and I was almost to Washington! Oddly enough though, I was noticing that the farther south I drove, the more snow they had. Horseheads had a couple inches on the ground, but I get to Maryland and they have a couple feet!Anyway, I eventually get into Washington, meet up with my friend Vicki, and hop on the Metro to head to the Verizon Center. For the first leg of our trip, we board the Orange Line. Unfortunately we have to transfer, but who do we bump into waiting for our next train at the transfer? The Congressional representative for Syracuse, Mr. Dan Maffei! And to his credit, he was wearing an orange tie and was also en route to the Verizon Center. Upon leaving the Metro, we walk to Clyde's, a bar next to the Verizon Center where the DC Alumni Club is having a pregame party. At the time I tweeted that there were ten thousand Cuse fans there. That may have been an exaggeration, but not by much. The entire place (huge, by the way), was completely packed with Cuse fans. And nearly everyone's wearing orange. And getting liquored up. It was certainly a great atmosphere to be in, especially when you're moments away from entering hostile territory against your most hated enemy. Strength in numbers always helps, which is why I was so happy to see the Clyde's crowd spill into the Verizon Center and virtually take over the place.
By the time we got into the concourse it was only a couple minutes until tip, so I made the executive decision to go right to my seat and wait until the under-16 timeout to get food and beer. On the way to my seat I hear a "Hey John" from behind me. I turn around to see Raymond, who I first met in New Orleans in 2003. More on this later. Anyway, I won't bore you with details of the game, but Syracuse got off to a hot start. There would be no spotting the Hoyas 14 points this go-around. At the first media timeout, I was back out to the concourse where I purchased a chicken sandwich and a Bud Light. 24oz. for $7.50. And I thought for about 30 seconds whether that was a better or worse deal than at the Carrier Dome. Then I figured out that 16oz. for $5 is the same. Though in the long run I gotta give the edge to the Verizon Center, since you can buy more beer at once.
Between eating, drinking, and watching the game, I was not really into twitter as much as I usually am. But during a timeout near the end of the first half, I noticed that Brian tweeted about Erin Andrews being there. A quick scan of the arena and BOOM I'm able to spot her, standing with the cheerleaders (of course). Erin Andrews, it seems, is stalking me on my birthday. Because back in 2006 when College Gameday came to the Dome, that also happened to fall on my birthday, and I was lucky enough to get a picture with her. I had approached her that day with a "It's my birthday today, can I have my picture with you?" She replied "You don't have to lie to get a picture." I offered to show her my license, but I think she was in a hurry and just wanted to pose. So, that was 4 years ago. Now it's 2010 and she's back. She kept her distance this time, though. At least, as far as I know.
So at halftime, Syracuse is up on the Hoyas 44-31. Just dominating the game. I like the position Syracuse has put itself in. Satisfied for the moment, I go get some more magic juice for the second half, and start having thoughts of how -- and when -- Syracuse would ruin
the good thing they had going. I was never really able to pinpoint a how or a when, but I knew it would happen. And it did. Luckily thanks to Andy Rautins, the Orangemen never relinquished the lead they had since the opening tip. But I think all of Orange Nation inside the Verizon Center was standing and cheering the last 2 minutes of the game. And I'm sure a lot of the "Let's Go Orange!" chants were audible on TV. Just a great atmosphere to be in under those circumstances. Syracuse got to 75 points and I celebrated a fake Taco Time, and a few seconds later, celebrated a real victory over the Hoyas! I think we all just stood there and soaked it in: that Syracuse had beaten Georgetown in its own home, and had completed the season sweep! Clearly, it was time to go celebrate with some more adult beverages.So we made our way to a bar near the Verizon Center, RFD. Lots of TVs including a bar upstairs. And virtually a sea of orange! I'm pretty sure all the Hoya fans went directly home after the game. So we're in there having a good time, and who to I run into again? Raymond. So how do I know him? Well, long story short, my first night in New Orleans for the Final Four in 2003 I get separated from my friends on Bourbon Street, and try to walk back to my hotel by myself. Let's just say I don't have all my wits about me, I get lost, and I get in a fight with some bushes. Well, Raymond and a friend of his happen to find me, are able to elicit important information from me (i.e. the hotel I'm staying at) and they help me walk there. It helped that they were staying at the same hotel. Evidently the whole walk home I kept saying "I just wanna go to my room!" I ran into him on Bourbon Street the next night, he filled in some gaps from the night before, and wanted me to say it again, "I just wanna go to my room!" From then on, I have run into Raymond in a number of places randomly, and he always puts in the request for me to say it. So anyway, back to the bar. We exchange pleasantries, he buys me a shot, and I continue with my evening. I met up with some other Syracuse friends and continued to enjoy the night.
The next day, I completed the governmental hat trick, visiting the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol. I highly recommend doing all three. Just in case you've got a Georgetown education, here are photos of what each of the three buildings look like:
The rest of the weekend consisted of an Olympics Party that had an ice luge (I represented Ireland) and my totally not exciting ride home. This was a great weekend for me, and a great weekend to be a member of Orange Nation. One thing is clear about this basketball team: they win all their games in places not called the Carrier Dome. And they win most of the games there. They find a way to win games. Sure, it's cliche, but it's true. And that's what you want in a basketball team. A team that puts numbers in the W column. All in all, a wonderful trip on a wonderful weekend. One could even call it tremendously tremendous. I recommend you all attend a Syracuse/GTown game in Washington sometime in your life.Now, hopefully I'll have a reason over the next several weeks to travel to other places besides Syracuse to watch them play basketball...
Labels: Hoya Hate, Road Trip, Syracuse Basketball